CVE-2021-23440 in Communications Cloud Native Core Policy
Summary
by MITRE • 09/12/2021
This affects the package set-value before =3.0.0
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-23440 impacts the set-value npm package, specifically affecting versions prior to 3.0.0. This package is commonly used in JavaScript applications for setting nested object properties through string paths, making it a critical component in many development workflows. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the package's core functionality, creating a potential security risk that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability represents a classic example of insecure data handling that can lead to various security consequences including information disclosure and potential code execution.
The technical flaw manifests in the package's handling of dot-notation paths when setting object values. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input strings that contain special characters or sequences designed to manipulate the internal parsing logic. This vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution or data manipulation within applications that rely on set-value for property assignment operations. The flaw operates at the input sanitization level, where the package fails to properly validate or escape user-provided path strings before processing them. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a common pattern in JavaScript applications where external input is not adequately sanitized before being processed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass broader security implications within affected systems. Applications using vulnerable versions of set-value may experience unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion when processing user input through the affected package. This risk is particularly concerning in web applications where user-provided data is frequently processed and stored in object structures. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including web applications, server-side processing, and any system that accepts and processes dot-notation paths for object manipulation. The potential for cascading effects exists when this package is used in larger dependency chains, amplifying the overall security risk across entire application ecosystems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-23440 primarily focus on immediate version updates to 3.0.0 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for the input validation issues. Organizations should conduct comprehensive dependency audits to identify all systems utilizing vulnerable versions of set-value and prioritize their remediation. The implementation of automated dependency checking tools can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles. Security teams should also consider implementing input validation layers at application boundaries to provide additional protection against exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date dependencies and following secure coding practices, particularly when handling user input in object manipulation functions. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the updated version does not introduce regressions in existing functionality while effectively addressing the security concerns. Organizations should also review their dependency management policies to prevent the introduction of vulnerable components in future development cycles, aligning with industry best practices for software supply chain security.